Yankees-Phillies: Tonight's the Night

Sure, either team would love to be up 2-0, but now it's a best of 5 with the first of 3 in Philadelphia scheduled for tonight.  Game 3 is often referred to as "pivotal" but this game 3 truly is.  With Charlie Manuel's announcement that Joe Blanton will be starting game 5, game 3 will likely define the series.  Game 4 will feature CC Sabathia against Blanton and for game 5 we should expect to see Cliff Lee opposing either Chad Gaudin or AJ Burnett (probably likely if the Phillies manage to take both games 3 and 4) on short rest.  Raise your hand if you don't expect a split of those two matchups.....anyone, anyone,...., Bueller?  So, if that scenario holds, tonght's victor will head back to the Bronx needing one victory in two games to secure the title.  That's a tall order for either team.  If you're the Phillies, trailing 3-2 means you have just beaten Gaudin in game 5 and will be putting up Pedro to face AJ (on full rest) again with Andy Pettitte being the Yanks first call from the pen.  Win that and you get CC in game 7 against Cole Hamels, a very difficult pair of games to win.  If it's the Phils leading 3-2, the Yanks with Pettitte and Sabathia have a better chance for a 2 game sweep, but this is a very good Phillies team that knows how to win and would be tough to deny twice, even on Yankee turf.  So, tonight's the night - take control of the series on the soggy turf in Philadelphia and enjoy the ride - you're in the driver's seat.